Clinton Names Holbrooke as UN Representative, Replaces Richardson

Strategic Insights -

President Clinton will name veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke as the U.S. representative to the United Nations, replacing Bill Richardson, who will become Energy secretary, administration officials said Wednesday. Holbrooke, 57, was instrumental in formulating the Dayton peace conference that ended the conflict in Bosnia in November 1995. The appointment comes after extensive discussions at senior levels, with Vice President Gore supporting Holbrooke for the job and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright initially opposing it.

Key Takeaways:

  • Richard Holbrooke, 57, will become the new U.S. representative to the United Nations, replacing Bill Richardson.
  • Holbrooke was instrumental in formulating the Dayton peace conference that ended the conflict in Bosnia in November 1995.
  • The appointment comes after extensive discussions at senior levels, with Vice President Gore supporting Holbrooke for the job and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright initially opposing it.
  • Bill Richardson will become the new Energy secretary, replacing Federico Pena, who announced his departure in April.
  • Richardson has a strong diplomatic background, having served as a roving diplomatic trouble-shooter for President Clinton in various countries.
  • Richardson resigned his House seat in February 1997 to become ambassador, and won unanimous Senate confirmation.

Statistics:

  • 57 - Holbrooke's age at the time of his appointment.
  • 1995 - The year the Dayton peace conference was held, ending the conflict in Bosnia.
  • 7 - The number of times Richardson was re-elected to the House.
  • February 1997 - The month Richardson resigned his House seat to become ambassador.
  • April - The month Federico Pena announced his departure as Energy secretary.

Sources:

  • Administration officials, WASHINGTON -- President Clinton will name veteran diplomat Richard Holbrooke as the U.S. representative to the United Nations, replacing Bill Richardson...
  • White House ceremony expected to announce the appointment.
  • To End a War, Richard Holbrooke's book about his efforts to bring peace to the Balkans.